21st Century Vamp on Instagram

Friday 30 March 2012

An Heirloom for the Future

For the past few weeks I have been quietly working on a tribal fusion bellydance belt. It's been a labour of love from the start. I was lucky enough to discover a stunning piece of Art Nouveau fabric from what must have been a heartbreakingly beautiful dress. The fragment from the past formed the idea in my head for a deluxe piece of tribal fusion art.

It takes time, patience and a fair bit of disposable cash to find treasures to adorn a deluxe belt. I was lucky enough to have been given some Victorian gold metal bullion braid by my mother. It has the most exquisite metal thread work and sequins hand embroidered onto purple velvet. My mother was initially horrified I'd cut a piece for the belt! thankfully now she's seen the finished piece she loves it, phew!

The belt has a true feel of Orientalism about it and a touch of Egyptian Revival. The colours are based on black with blues, purples and various shades of gold weaved through the design. Many of the sequins are iridescent which creates fabulous movement. Several vintage and antique buttons in glass and brass have been dotted around the piece to further catch the light. Art Deco jewels are centred at the back. Vintage Japan glass chain forms a fringe along with beaded tassels.

It's a treasure trove of historical delights waiting to adorn a belly dancer wanting to be transported back to a bygone age.

OOAK Dark Fusion Flapper Belt

Liebster Blog Award


I had the lovely surprise of being sent a notification from my dear friend Anna over at Annamaltoys that she had chosen me for the Liebster Blog Award. So a very big thank you and hug Anna! It's a super idea based on the pay it forward principle. 

Here are the rules:

1.  Choose up to 5 up-and-coming blogs (with fewer than 200 followers) to award the Leibster to.
2.  Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
3.  Post the award on your blog.  List the bloggers you are giving the award to with links to their sites.  Leave comments on their blogs so they know about the award.

My chosen blogs are

Made For Me By Oaklie Anne Hopfer deserves this more than anyone else I know. What a talented, generous and lovely person. She makes gorgeous knitwear and crocheted accessories and jewellery. Anne also runs the On Fire For Handmade team on Etsy and beyond, which is so supportive of independent artists.

Edi's Little Treasures makes some of the most beautiful wire wrapped and chainmaile jewellery. I'm always pleased to see what new beauties she has made!

Trundle Bed Times a whimsical and eclectic blog of vintage treasure hunter's delights 






Monday 19 March 2012

This Weeks Featured Artisan


 Jessica Cauthon - The Chickadee Tree is This Week's Featured Artisan for Share the Love, Blogger's Unite.
Unique Creations made by a lovely Artisan! 
You can find The Chickadee Tree on:


Tuesday 6 March 2012

This Weeks Featured Artisan - Anne Hopfer

I am honoured to share this weeks featured artisan - Anne Hopfer's Helping Hands Graphic Design. Anne is the driving force behind the On Fire For Handmade team and does all the hard work you see here each week on this feature, plus much, much more. She creates a beautiful design for each person featured, from her own time and pocket. She is an inspiration to us all for her hard work, determination, generosity and just a good all round sort. We love you Anne. And a BIG thank you xxx




This weeks Featured Artisan is Anne Hopfer - Helping Hands Graphic Design. Banners, Avatars, Ads, Templates.. all customized to your Style! You can find Helping Hands Graphic Design on:

Sunday 4 March 2012

This Weeks Featured Artisan





This week's Featured Artisan is Elaine Dumont - Zoomgraphik! Beautiful Creations to accessorize your
outfits with! You can find Zoomgraphik on:


Grab the code for your blog HERE